May-June 2017 | CENTER OF ATTENTION

BRYAN LECOMPTE AND HIS YARD DESIGNS, INC. TEAM CREATED A ONE-OF-A-KIND OASIS FOR HOMEOWNERS IN WEST OCEAN CITY THAT MAXIMIZED THEIR EXPANSIVE PROPERTY FOR ENTERTAINING AND ENJOYING ITS UNOBSTRUCTED PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE OCEAN CITY SKYLINE

Written By: Jonathan Westman | Photographer: GRANT L. GURSKY

There are certain special waterfront properties on the Eastern Shore that are vastly different from their counterparts. These are the hidden gems, the serene and surreal settings that provoke thoughts of being at a private, boutique resort or on a secluded island sanctuary.

One such property is discreetly hidden in West Ocean City. With unobstructed, panoramic views of the Assawoman Bay, Ocean City skyline and vast stretches of undisturbed wetlands, it is the ideal getaway for the owners of the property. And when it was time to transform the property, to maximize its outdoor entertaining and relaxation potential, the owners and project designer Christopher Pattey of Becker Morgan knew Bryan LeCompte of Yard Designs was the only choice to spearhead the effort.

“When we design a waterfront home, the views should always be the focal point,” said LeCompte, who has owned and operated Yard Designs for more than 30 years. “In this case, being surrounded by water made it easy, because it feels like you are on your own island. The homeowners were great clients to work with, and because they work in the construction industry, they had a mutual understanding of the design-and-build process.”

The homeowners initially engaged Pattey in 2015, to design a backyard extravaganza that included patios, walkways, a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, barbecue area, grand fireplace, a large hot tub and water fountains with majestic statues.

“This is a special property, much like an estate, in that it has a formality to it with a rather large existing home,” Pattey said. “Our job was to marry their wish list within the criteria we were allowed to work with, because we were dealing with critical area setbacks and impervious surfaces.”

The approach to the home was underutilized and had a poor flow, which often resulted in bottlenecks, according to Pattey, who proposed an expanded oval drive court that would provide the necessary space for the continuous and smooth movement of traffic.

“When we started this project, we studied the architecture to determine what natural materials we would use,” LeCompte said. “Of course, our selections were timeless, and after considering the exterior finishes of the home, each material chosen complements the existing theme, in terms of color tones and features. This project allowed us to use the highest-quality products, to bring true luxury suited to their lifestyle.

“I enjoy building relationships with our clients and expressing our vision through our work,” LeCompte continued. “Many projects become challenging, in that the clients want to somehow experience the vision before its completion. It was just the opposite with these homeowners. They expressed their desires and then trusted us to transform that vision and provide them a setting that is perfectly suited for friends and family to enjoy one another and their surroundings.”

An impressively handsome fireplace is one of the backyard’s focal points. It serves as one of the main conversation areas during gatherings but also offers a quiet, romantic setting for the homeowners when they’re alone. Custom lanterns made in South Carolina specifically for the tops of the fireplace’s flanking pillars adorn each strategically.

The plan also called for a spacious 14-person custom spa — one so large that a custom cover had to be made. Two substantial yet aesthetic fountains, one in the front of the property and one in the back, were also a part of the design. Pool Tech of Salisbury was responsible for the creation of the project’s water features.

“Even though were working with the same application, this was an exciting departure from our traditional yet diverse swimming-pool creations,” said Jaime Toner, vice president of Pool Tech. “The homeowners knew what they liked, and we were able to turn their creative visions into a reality. Inspiration for the water features can be attributed to the stunning statues that seem to come to life from them. Everything else was organic in the design,” Toner said.

Made by the Randolph Rose Collection of Yonkers, NY, two breathtaking bronze statues, a marlin in the main driveway fountain and a team of sailfish in the back fountain, are substantial points of interest on the property, paying tribute to the homeowners’ passion for sport fishing.

“After attending the Philadelphia Flower Show, we met and worked with Jordan Rose. He was delightful to work with, and the statues celebrate our personalities and interests,” the homeowner said.

Robert Parker, Yard Designs’ lead electrician, outfitted the homeowners with the power to control the property’s substantial exterior lighting package with just the simple touches of a few buttons. At their desire, through a mobile device, the vibe of the property can change with different light colors, moods and effects — even the lights and hydraulics in the water features. “Automation is just as important outdoors today as it is indoors,” Pattey said.

“It really is impressive how the setting and mood change based upon the time of day,” the homeowner said. “The bar and grilling areas are fun during the day, and so, too, is the spa in the afternoon. At night, the property transforms for quaint and cozy outdoor living. It really is amazing.”

The tone of the property, both inside of the residence and out, is an upscale yet relaxed Tommy Bahama-style. A seamless transition is made from every room when stepping onto any one of the many decks and private balconies the home features. Furniture selection was key to unifying the theme, and the couple selected handsome — and substantial — Tommy Bahama furniture in the Black Sands and Island Lanai collections. The selections are aesthetically welcoming, incredibly fashionable and comfortable, and will withstand the occasionally unpredictable elements along the coast.

“My impression is that the space has an extremely welcoming feel to it, which is not only attributed to the layout but the lighting effects and the warmth of the fire features,” Pattey said. “It is so relaxing and enjoyable, it truly makes you want to stay awhile.”

“It is a stunning setting,” the homeowner said. “It reminds us of having our own little private Caribbean Sandals. We are very pleased.”